A row has broken out over the future of Springholm Nursery.
The group, which is run by a committee of parents, has been based at the Memorial Hall in the village for several years.
The nursery claims it was forced to find alternative premises in nearby Kirkpatrick Durham after being “evicted”.
But that is disputed by the hall committee which insists the group agreed to leave due, in part, to rising energy prices.
In a statement, the nursery said: “It is true that Springholm Nursery have been evicted from Springholm Memorial Hall after 20 memorable years. This was indeed a shock to all involved.
“However, we would like to reassure the community that the nursery is still open and will now be operating from Kirkpatrick Durham Lesser Hall, providing early learning and childcare for the children and families of Springholm, Kirkpatrick Durham, Crocketford, Corsock and surrounding areas.
“Understandably, this has caused some upset for the local community and at this time we do not feel it appropriate for Springholm Nursery to comment.
“Nursery staff and parents would like to thank everyone who have voiced their concerns and offered their support.
“As you can imagine, this means a great deal to us all. We are all looking forward to a positive 2023 and are excited to be out and about exploring our new surroundings in the beautiful village of Kirkpatrick Durham.”
However, David Aitken, who is advising the hall committee, told the News that the group was not being evicted.
Emails were sent to the nursery saying that “a final decision by the committee has been made to permanently withdraw the facilities that have been available at the hall used by the nursery with effect from December 30”.
They highlighted a range of issues for the decision, including rising energy bills, and claimed the nursery has only used the hall for six years, having been a playgroup before that.
Mr Aitken said that, following the emails and negotiations, the nursery had agreed to leave by January 31.
He added: “There was some dissatisfaction with the financial aspect of the nursery, which was costing the hall committee a great deal in excess energy costs.
“The nursery were either unable or unwilling to meet the costs, thus the hall committee was having to use funds not earmarked for the nursery in order to subsidise them.
“As a result of that situation, which couldn’t go on with funds draining away, the nursery was told this couldn’t continue and their access to the premises would be curtailed.
“That was agreed and thus the matter was settled. They weren’t evicted. They may have been – or they may have been denied the use of the premises – but that’s not quite the same as being evicted.”
